NICOSIA - The proposals the Greek Cypriot side has submitted to the negotiating table represent progress for the Cypriot people and particularly the refugees, because they created the conditions for their return to their homes, President Demetris Christofias said.
Addressing displaced persons, who received papers for the homes they live in at present, near Larnaca, the President dismissed criticism of his proposals, saying that “if these proposals were indeed a gift to the Turkish side, then they would have been accepted”.
He went on to say that during his term in office he did his utmost to end Turkey’s occupation of the island’s northern part and secure the return of all the refugees to their homes.
President Christofias said that there is an attempt to dismiss whatever his administration has achieved in the direction of creating a welfare state.
Responding to criticism, the President described himself as a “tough cookie”, noting that those who have started a war against him and his policies in the past five years will not succeed.
Referring to the economic crisis, he said one has to take into account the problems in the banking sector before one unleashes criticism against government policies.
He also said that before stepping down, he will address the nation and account for whatever his governance has achieved for the people.
CNA